Norland Band

1905: Opening of the new band room and a short history of the band's first twenty five years: 

"The committee and members of the Norland Brass Band are to be congratulated on the handsome and commodious new band room which they have just erected, the formal opening of which took place on Saturday.

Mr G B Wood (1) was called upon to open the new room, and gave the following sketch.

"In 1879 a few young Norlanders, residing chiefly at or near New Longley, became impressed with the idea that they would combine, and form a brass band. To that end they began to collect subscriptions, and aided by their own contributions they managed to buy a few second-hand instruments, the first of which, a long and much-battered flugel horn, is now in my possession as a relic. The first members of the band, as far as I know, were John Dewhirst, Samuel Fleming, Jno. Wm. Holroyde, L Barron, James Sutcliffe, Tom Tyson, John Waddington, Fred Sutcliffe, John Robinson, Albert Hitchen, Levi Stott, Albert Batley, Arthur W Dixon, Fred Mallinson, Joseph Tyson, and William Fowler. Out of these aspirants for musical fame only one now remains a playing member, namely our old friend Mr John Dewhirst, who, alike in length of service and stature, excels all.  James Sutcliffe, Tom Tyson and Fred Sutcliffe have all joined the great majority. (Note: are deceased) One Henry Stork was chosen conductor, and practising commenced at Bents Farm, where they quickly succeeded in driving the bull mad - with envy, of course. As additional members entered (the entrance fee was 10s), more accommodation was required, and a large wooden refreshment room at Butterworth End belonging to Mr Wm. Kershaw was taken, which answered the purpose for some time, More members having joined from Norland Town district, it was desirable that a more central place should be secured. An empty house at Harper Royd was placed at their disposal, which sufficed until the old band room was purchased, which has done good service for more than twenty years. After much discussion and deliberation the members of the band decided to make a vigorous effort to erect a new one, and this very handsome and commodious building is the result, which we all trust will mark the advent of better days. To establish a brass band, equip it with proper instruments, uniform, music and tuition, means a considerable outlay, and many devices have been tried "to raise the wind" during the last quarter of a century. In 1886 a bazaar was held in Sowerby Bridge Town Hall, which left a profit of about £100. For this handsome sum we were much indebted to our lady friends, who then, as they are doing now, worked very enthusiastically for its success. Personally, I have a very lively recollection of that bazaar, and the enormous amount of work it caused. If it had lasted much longer it might have been a case of "What is all the world to a man when his wife becomes a widow."  Other sources of income were concerts, engagements etc. Considering that Norland is not unduly crowded with wealthy people, and not a very large number of the other sort, the band has been (especially in its early days) very well supported by honorary members and voluntary donations, and has won prizes at concerts amounting to £825, which includes first prize at Belle Vue July contest, first prize three years in succession at Luddenden Foot, and the Ryburn Association cup in two contests - a record which may be considered fairly creditable. The first professional conductor was the late Mr Walter Atkinson, to whose untiring energy much of the early success was due. It is said, and I believe it is a fact, that he gave fifteen lessons in one fortnight, creditable alike to men and master. He was followed by the late Mr Geo. Raine, 1887-91 and 1894-95, who was a splendid soloist and a clever conductor. Under his baton the band had its most successful contesting season. The late Mr Edwin Swift conducted in 1892 and 1893. The band played very well under him, but were somehow unfortunate in missing the prizes. There were some awfully bad judges going about at that time! From 1896 to 1902 Mr A Cowan had charge, and nobody can deny that he made the most of his opportunities. He is a gifted musician and a gentleman. However, the expense of contesting under a professional conductor was so heavy that it could not be continued, and since that time our staunch friend, Mr Ernest Beaumont, has had the post of conductor, and I should like to testify here that from the time when, as a little boy, he had to stand on a box in order to see his copy, to the present time, he has always steadfastly done his duty, and by sheer perseverance and practice has become one of the best cornet soloists in the Halifax district, and in spite of tempting offers from other bands, stuck loyally to old Norland.  Many other of the members have been similarly tempted, but greatly to their credit have stood fast. From these rambling remarks I trust you may have gained some idea of the career of our little band, and we may now come to the chief reason for our presence here this afternoon, which is, in addition to declaring the bandroom open, to provide funds for keeping it open. The lady friends have shown "we mere men" a splendid example, having netted by their introductory tea party and concert the sum of £20; by collecting, in which they have kindly allowed their husbands and others who hope to be, to assist, a further sum of £24; the garden party at Pickwood House £10, or, together, a sum of £55, to which may be added £18 from sacred concerts, and £30 from the ordinary band fund - a grand total of £103." (Mr Wood, naturally, said nothing about his own valuable services, but they are held in grateful remembrance by members and friends of the band).

The opening ceremony was followed by a tea in St Luke's school, to which 240 persons sat down. Subsequently, a very enjoyable concert took place, songs being rendered by Miss Jones, Miss B Horsfall, Mr Schofield and Mr W Crowther. Mr E Law acted as the accompanist. The band played for dancing."

(SBC October 20th 1905)

(1) George Bilton Wood (1852-1928)  lived at Hollin Well Cottage (1881) and then Middle Harper Royd (1901,1911), being described first as a 'woollen warehouseman' and then 'clerk in woollen mill'. He was the first chairman of Norland parish Council in 1894.

1907: "The members of Norland Band played selections of music on Norland Moor (near the Ladstone) on Sunday morning, afternoon and evening. A collection was taken on each occasion, with the result that the funds of the band will benefit considerably. They intend having a village parade through the streets of Sowerby Bridge tomorrow afternoon, when donations will be thankfully received for the new uniform."  (SBC 10/5/1907)

1908: "Norland mean business for the season. They have engaged Mr Owen as conductor and also two prominent solo players of undoubted ability. i hear they are intending competing at all the leading contests, including Huddersfield, Lincoln, Shrewsbury, Newcastle, New Brighton, Belle Vue, and for the last-named they will make a special effort to again secure the cup which they were winners of some years ago. Their first appearance in public will be on Norland Moor on the first Sunday in May, morning, afternoon and evening." (HXC 3/4/1908) 

1909: "Sunday's Treat at Norland: On the moorland, not a stone's throw from Ladstone, Norland Band gave a sacred concert on Sunday afternoon, and the choice weather brought up a large crowd. The band provided delightful fare, and did it justice. They are perhaps the most renowned locally for general roundness or balance of tone, and Sunday's playing was a privilege indeed, in this and other particulars. ...In Liddle's "Abide With Me", ...the soprano work of the conscientious native conductor, Mr Ernest Beaumont, rang like some peerless clarion in the midst of a majestic chorus...... And the thought of hearing such music, so cleverly interpreted, and by men largely brought up about the verge of this remote moorland, is a point we perhaps seldom dwell upon. The collection realised £2 11s 2d"  (HXEC 24/9/1909)

1909: In Demand: The Halifax Courier reported that Norland Band had already been booked to play the following year on Whit Friday at a school in Lancashire (HXC 8/10/1909), and both Whit Monday and August Bank Holiday Monday at Halifax Zoo at Exley. (HXC 26/11/1909)

1909: "Norland Band on Saturday played at several gentlemen's residences, including Mr F G S Rawson's at Thorpe; Messrs Morris's at Triangle; at Haugh End for Mr J S Rawson JP, and others. The band's funds were considerably augmented thereby." (HXC 8/10/1909)

1913: "Norland have secured the services of an excellent solo cornet in Mr T Swingler, of Lee Mount, and he commences his new duties on Sunday. They still need a good man to act with their new acquisition so that Mr Beaumont (the conductor) may have more opportunity on a contest day of bringing out those little points which make or mar a performance. With a full band Norland are anticipating good business in the contest field next season." (HXEC 19/12/1913) 

1917:  Norland Band played for dancing at the Crow Wood VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) Hospital Garden Party, conductor Mr G A Habergham. This was a temporary military hospital in Crow Wood mansion, Sowerby Bridge. (HXC 11/8/1917)

1919: "For their annual event on Saturday, in the Co-operative Hall, Sowerby Bridge, Norland Band promoted a whist drive, concert and dance, the affair being once more a big success. For whist there were 24 tables and the prizes were handed to the winners by Cllr. H Blackburn. The band, under the conductorship of Mr E Beaumont, played for dancing, the floor of the hall being crowded with dancers. The entertainers gave much pleasure, all being encored."  (HXEC 11/3/1919)

1919: "The Moor Band: Further concerts have been arranged by Norland for the Moor on the coming Sunday, at the Ladstone in the afternoon, and in the evening near the top of Norland stream. On Thursday Aug. 7th the stand in the People's park (Halifax) will be occupied. It is hoped that all the friends and admirers of Norland will be present. On account of the expense the proposal to compete in the Rotherham contest has had to be dropped. I am sorry to hear this. It is the turn of Norland to carry off the honours of a contest." (HXEC 25/7/1919)

1919: "Several new instruments are to be purchased in readiness for next season. The order is already in the hands of the makers and delivery is expected any day. A few learners are required, and applications may be made any evening, or on Sunday mornings, at the bandroom, where the best of tuition is provided. In connection with the scheme for heating the bandroom, will the committee please note that a special meeting will be held tomorrow (Sunday) morning at 10.00am."  (HXEC 11/10/1919)

1921: "Band Concert at West View  On Saturday, the second of a series of concerts, which it is hoped to hold in the West View Park (ed. off Warley Road, west end of Halifax), took place. Norland Band, under the able conductorship of Mr E Beaumont, delighted an audience of upwards of 2,000, with a selection of music rendered in a manner most creditable to everyone concerned."  (HXEC 13/6/1921)

1923: In March a public meeting is called to discuss the band's future.

"Norland Band: Another Lease of Life: The future of Norland Band, coupled with its long record of achievements as a local institution, its successes and disappointments, was thrown into the melting pot last night, and the organisation emerged with a new lease of life and activity. For a considerable time the band has been suffering from a lack of active public interest and support. Many of the old players had expressed a desire to give up their active membership, and the big gaps round the stand could not be filled. To make the position worse, a few of the leading local players have transferred their affections to other bands. In other directions, though, the band was in a fairly good way, the financial position being satisfactory. As assets the band could point to an excellent band pavillion, a full supply of instruments, and, more important still, there were several youths who had expressed a desire to join the band. The committee and officials, however, realised that there was need for a complete overhauling of the situation, hence a public meeting was convened, and the question was put very frankly as to whether the band should be wound up or continued on a fresh basis. There was quite a large attendance of residents in the pavillion, presided over by the president, Cllr F Bottomley, and it was clear that there was a great reluctance in the district to see the old band go out of existence. The whole position was frankly and fully explained by the president, and by Mr A A Frankland. The latter pointed out that the meeting must decide whether to wind up or "carry on". If they agreed to make a fresh start, his idea was to introduce new vigour and enthusiasm into the organisation by means of fresh officials. He was satisfied that they had plenty of raw material for the making of good players if the youths were properly trained, and the old players had promised to give their help in that direction. All that was needed was a practical tutor.

After much discussion a resolution was adopted that efforts be made to pull the band together again, and the following were elected officers:  President - Cllr F E Longbottom;  vice-president - Cllr F Bottomley; secretary - Mr J Ackroyd;  treasurer - Mr C Ratcliffe; while eight new members were added to the committee, and the Ladies' Committee reappointed and strengthened. It was decided that the committee have the power to appoint a tutor with the special purpose of giving attention to the lads who wish to join the band." 

(HXEC 2/3/1923)

The photo shows young Willie Lang (left), just after he had joined Norland Band in 1929. The bandsman in the centre is possibly George Ramsden, the band's conductor, who gave Willie his first cornet. Any information on who the other boy is?

1937: "Norland Brass Band: Public Meeting In the Band Room

Wednesday July 21st 8pm

All old bandsmen and subscribers earnestly asked to attend. All uniforms, instruments or other property of above to be delivered at West Bottom Tavern (now The New Hobbit), Norland or to Mr H Egertons, Briggs Buildings, Scarr Head, before above date. By order of the trustees." (HXEC 19/7/1937)

The way this public notice was worded indicated that the following conclusion was almost inevitable.

 1937: "Norland Band to be Wound Up Due to Lack of Players

After a run of nearly 60 years, Norland Brass Band is to be wound up. That decision was reached last night at a meeting of interested persons held in the band room, presided over by Mr J.Goddard. There was a fair attendance.

The whole position was fully discussed and it was with great regret that the decision to close down was reached. For a considerable time the band has been in a parlous condition. The main feature has not been a lack of financial support, but a shortage of young players to fill the gaps.

When the assests of the organisation have been realised, including music, instruments and pavillion, it is expected there will be a balance in hand. This being public money it will probably be handed over to local charities.

(HXEC 22/7/1937)

1940  2nd October: Funeral at St Luke's Church of Amos Henry Beaumont, aged 62. "A native of Norland, he had spent most of his leisure time as a bandsman. He joined Norland Band at an early age and for a long period played the double bass." (ed. a tuba, not a string double bass). When Norland Band folded in 1937, Amos Beaumont joined Friendly Band.(HXEC 3/10/1940)

Amos Beaumont lived at Westfield Farm and then Stormer Hill as a boy. HIs older brother, Ernest, was a cornet player and the conductor of Norland Band for several years.